India lodges protest with Pak over injured staffer

K J M Varma in Islamabad

India on Tuesday evening lodged a strong protest with Pakistan for preventing its staffer Kulwant Singh, who sustained serious injuries during his detention three days ago by Pakistani officials, to be taken to India by road for urgent medical treatment.

In a written protest, lodged at the Pakistan Foreign Office, the Indian High Commission said it condemned the 'premeditated attempt' to prevent Singh and his family to return to their home country, especially when he needed urged medical attention.

The statement also condemned the 'reprehensible' and 'uncivilised' behaviour of Pakistani officials, who in 'marked absence of basic human values deliberately subjected a seriously injured and ill person and his family, including two minor children to extreme physical and mental trauma'.

The fresh diplomatic fracas between the two countries took place, when a convoy of Indian High Commission vehicles carrying Singh in a stretcher headed towards Wagah.

According to the Indian High Commission diplomats, Pakistan was informed in advance of the plans to shift Singh, and necessary clearances obtained.